Experimental study on thermal and mechanical properties of tailings-based cemented paste backfill with CaCl_(2)·6H_(2)O/expanded vermiculite shape stabilized phase change materials

CaCl_(2)·6H_(2)O/expanded vermiculite shape stabilized phase change materials(CEV)was prepared by atmospheric impregnation method.Using gold mine tailings as aggregate of cemented paste backfill(CPB)material,the CPB with CEV added was prepared,and the specific heat capacity,thermal conductivity,and uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of CPB with different cement-tailing ratios and CEV addition ratios were tested,the influence of the above variables on the thermal and mechanical properties of CPB was analyzed.The results show that the maximum encapsulation capacity of expanded vermiculite for CaCl_(2)·6H_(2)O is about 60%,and the melting and solidification enthalpies of CEV can reach 98.87 J/g and 97.56 J/g,respectively.For the CPB without CEV,the specific heat capacity,thermal conductivity,and UCS decrease with the decrease of cement-tailing ratio.For the CPB with CEV added,with the increase of CEV addition ratio,the specific heat capacity increases significantly,and the sensible heat storage capacity and latent heat storage capacity can be increased by at least 10.74%and 218.97%respectively after adding 12%CEV.However,the addition of CEV leads to the increase of pores,and the thermal conductivity and UCS both decrease with the increase of CEV addition.When cement-tailing ratio is 1:8 and 6%,9%,and 12%of CEV are added,the 28-days UCS of CPB is less than 1 MPa.Considering the heat storage capacity and cost price of backfill,the recommended proportion scheme of CPB material presents cement-tailing ratio of 1:6 and 12%CEV,and the most recommended heat storage/release temperature cycle range of CPB with added CEV is from 20 to 40℃.This work can provide theoretical basis for the utilization of heat storage backfill in green mines.

Wettability alteration of organo-vermiculites induced by layer charge and tailored bis-N-heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts

Wettability is an important surface property that deserves to further explore the factors on its alteration.Series of bis-N-heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts with different spacer length and N-heterocyclic headgroups(morpholinium(BMMB,BMMD and BMMH),piperidinium(BPMH)and piperazinium(BMPMH))have been synthesized and employed for altering the wettability of vermiculite and its derivates(Vts)treated by Li^(+)-saturated heating method.The results of X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),thermogravimetric analysis(TG-DTG),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and N_(2)adsorption/desorption isotherms indicate that all of the bis-N-heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts have been successfully inserted into the vermiculite layers,leading to the organic monolayer.The results of capillary rise tests combined with Lipophilic to Hydrophilic Ratio(LHR)values unveil the wettability alteration of the organo-Vts.As the layer charge decreases,the hydrophilicity of the organo-Vts gradually increases,which is probably caused by the decline in binding sites.As the result of the change in spacer length of modifier,the wetting properties of morpholinium-based organo-Vts change in order of BMMD-Vts>BMMH-Vts>BMMB-Vts,and difference in N-heterocyclic headgroups leads to the sequence of wettability:BMPMH-Vts>BPMH-Vts>BMMH-Vts.Layer charge of Vt,spacer length and the type of the N-heterocyclic headgroup of modifier have the synergistic effect on the regulation of the wettability.

Plasma-Catalytic Decomposition of 2,4-Dichlorophenol in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge with a Vermiculite ZiO2 Composite

The paper presents comparative kinetic characteristics of the decomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenol in a dielectric barrier discharge and a combined plasma-catalytic process. Vermiculite containing 5% zirconium was used as a catalyst. The destruction processes of 2,4-DCP proceed efficiently, the degree of decomposition increases in the combined plasma-catalytic process by a factor of 1.33 and reaches 80%. The experimental results were processed according to the first-order kinetic law (R2 > 0.97), according to which the effective constants (0.36 ± 0.04) and (0.51 ± 0.03) s-1 and the decomposition rates of 2,4-DCP (106 and 123 μmol/l·s) when treating model solutions without a catalyst and with vermiculite + Zr 5%, respectively, and the energy costs are 0.012 and 0.017 molecules/100eV. The main decomposition products present in the solution have been determined to be carboxylic acids, aldehydes, the contribution of which does not exceed 2%, as well as chloride ions, and in the gas phase they are carbon dioxide and molecular chlorine (the share of which does not exceed 1.5% of total chlorine content in the system).

Enhanced adsorption of Methylene Blue from aqueous solution by chitosan-g-poly(acrylic acid)/vermiculite hydrogel composites

A series of chitosan-g-poly （acrylic acid）/vermiculite hydrogel composites were synthesized and used as adsorbents for the investigation of the effect of process parameters such as vermiculite content, pH of dye solution, contact time, initial concentration of dye solution, temperature, ionic strength and concentration of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate on the removal of Methylene Blue （MB） from aqueous solution. The results showed that the adsorption capacity for dye increased with increasing pH, contact time and initial dye concentration, but decreased with increasing temperature, ionic strength and sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration in the present of the surfactant. The adsorption kinetics of MB onto the hydrogel composite followed pseudo second-order kinetics and the adsorption equilibrium data obeyed Langmuir isotherm. By introducing 10 wt.% vermiculite into chitosan-g-poly （acrylic acid） polymeric network, the obtaining hydrogel composite showed the highest adsorption capacity for MB, and then could be regarded as a potential adsorbent for cationic dye removal in a wastewater treatment process.

Fabrication, property characterization and thermal performance of composite phase change material plates based on tetradecanol-myristic acid binary eutectic mixture/expanded perlite and expanded vermiculite for building application

A binary eutectic mixture composed of tetradecanol(TD)and myristic acid(MA)was maximally absorbed into the microstructures of expanded perlite(EP)and expanded vermiculite(EVMT),respectively,through a self-made vacuum adsorption roller to prepare phase change material(PCM)particle(PCP).Then EP and EVMT-based composite PCM plates were respectively fabricated through a mold pressing method.The thermal property,chemical stability,microstructure and durability were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter(DSC),Fourier transform infrared spectroscope(FT-IR),scanning electron microscope(SEM)and thermal cycling tests,respectively.The results show that both PCPs have high latent heats with 110 J/g for EP-based PCP and more than 130 J/g for EVMT-based PCP,compact microstructure without PCM leakage,stable chemical property and good durability.The research results have proved the feasibility for the vacuum adsorption roller used in the composite PCM fabrication.Results of thermal storage performance experiment indicate that the fabricated PCM plates have better thermal inertia than common building materials,and the thermal storage performance of PCM plates has nonlinearly changed with outside air velocity and temperature increase.Therefore,PCM plates show a significant potential for the practical application of building thermal storage.

Ultralow-weight loading Ni catalyst supported on two-dimensional vermiculite for carbon monoxide methanation

Nickel-based catalysts represent the most commonly used systems for CO methanation.We have successfully prepared a Ni catalyst system supported on two-dimensional plasma-treated vermiculite（2D-PVMT）with a very low Ni loading（0.5 wt%）.The catalyst precursor was subjected to heat treatment via either conventional heat treatment（CHT）or the plasma irradiation method（PIM）.The as-obtained CHT-Ni/PVMT and PIM-Ni/PVMT catalysts were characterized with scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,energy dispersive X-ray（EDX）,X-ray diffraction（XRD）,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）,inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy（ICP-AES）and high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy（HAADF-STEM）.Additionally,CHT-NiO/PVMT and PIM-NiO/PVMT catalysts were characterized with hydrogen temperature programmed reduction（H2-TPR）.Compared with CHT-Ni/PVMT,PIM-Ni/PVMT exhibited superior catalytic performance.The plasma treated catalyst PIM-Ni/PVMT achieved a CO conversion of93.5%and a turnover frequency（TOF）of 0.8537 s^-1,at a temperature of 450℃,a gas hourly space velocity of 6000 ml·g^-1·h^-1,a synthesis gas flow rate of 65 ml·min^-1,and a pressure of 1.5 MPa.Plasma irradiation may provide a successful strategy for the preparation of catalysts with very low metal loadings which exhibit excellent properties.

Dual-layer vermiculite nanosheet based hybrid film to suppress dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal anode has become a favorable candidate for next-generation rechargeable batteries.However, the unstable interface between lithium metal and electrolyte leads to the growth of dendrites,resulting in the low Coulombic efficiency and even the safety concerns. Herein, a rigid-flexible dual-layer vermiculite nanosheet(VN) based organic-inorganic hybrid film on lithium metal anode is proposed to suppress dendrite growth and relieve volume fluctuations. The inner mechanically robust VN layer(3 μm thick) enhances the mechanical properties of the protective layer, while the outer polymer(4 μm thick) can enhance the flexibility of the hybrid layer. The Li | Li symmetric cell with protected lithium shows an extended life of over 670 h. The full cell with Li anode protected by dual-layer interface exhibits a better capacity retention of 80% after 174 cycles in comparison to bare Li anode with 94 cycles.This study provides a novel approach and a significant step towards prolonging lifespan of lithium metal batteries.

Microstructure and Characterization of Capric-stearic Acid/Modified Expanded Vermiculite Thermal Storage Composites

In order to improve the thermal storage capacity of expanded vermiculite（EV） based formstable composite PCM（FS-PCM） via organic modification of EV, first, EV was modified with a sodium stearate（Na St） as surface modifier, and organic EV（OEV） with hydrophobicity and higher adsorption capacity for fatty acid was obtained. A novel capric-stearic acid eutectic（CA-SA）/OEV FS-PCM with high thermal storage capacity was then developed. OEV and CA-SA/OEV were characterized by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, X-ray diffraction（XRD）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FTIR）, differential scanning calorimetry（DSC）, thermal gravimetry（TG）, and thermal cycling test. Results showed that OEV has obvious hydrophobicity and a higher adsorption capacity for fatty acid. Its adsorption ratio has increased by 48.71% compared with that of EV. CA-SA/OEV possesses high thermal storage density（112.52 J/g）, suitable melting temperature（20.49 ℃）, good chemical compatibility, excellent thermal stability and reliability, indicating great application potential for building energy efficiency. Moreover, organic modification of inorganic matrix may offer novel options for improving its adsorption capacity for organic PCMs and increasing heat storage capacity of corresponding FS-PCMs.

Effect of Modified Vermiculite on the Interface of a Capric Acid-expanded Vermiculite Composite Phase Change Material with Phase Transition Kinetics

A new type of capric acid(CA)-acid expanded vermiculite(AEV) composite phase change material(PCM) with improved adsorption ability and interface adhesive strength was developed. Through the analysis of non-isothermal phase transition kinetics, modified vermiculite was observed to change and affect the phase transformation mechanism of the composite. AEV was treated with hydrochloric acid to improve the specific surface area and micro-pore structure. The surface area measured by BET increased from 81.94 m^2/g for expanded vermiculite(EV) to 544.13 m^2/g for AEV. CA-EV and CA-AEV composite PCMs were prepared by direct impregnation. The non-isothermal phase transition isotherms of CA-EV and CA-AEV were recorded by DSC at different heating rates(1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ℃/min), which indicated that the phase transition rate increased with the heating rate and the phase transition process changed. Kinetics parameters were analyzed by a double extrapolation method. The activation energy(E) under the original state(E_(α→0)) of CA-AEV and CA-EV was 1 117 kJ/mol and 937 kJ/mol, respectively, and 1 205 kJ/mol and 1 016 kJ/mol under the thermal equilibrium state(E_(β→0)). The most probabilistic mechanism function of CA-AEV satisfied G(α)=α^(2/3), which followed the Mample special rule, and the function of CA-EV satisfied G(α)=[(1+α)^(1/3)-1]~2, which followed the anti-Jander function.

Transition of TiO2 in TiO2/Vermiculite Nanocomposites

The TiO2/vermiculite composites were prepared by in-situ hydrolyzing reaction and in-situ dehydrating reaction of tetrabutyl titanate-hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide intercalated vermiculite. The structural phase transition of TiO2 in TiO2/vermiculite composites calcined at different temperatures was characterized by using XRD and Raman. The results show that at calcination temperature of 800℃ appeared the anatase phase of TiO2 in TiO2/vermiculite nanocomposites, while pure TiO2 is all converted to rutile at the same temperature. The average crystal size of TiO2 in TiO2/vermiculite nanocomposites and pure TiO2 both increase with the calcination temperature. The average grain size of TiO2 in TiO2/vermiculite nanocomposites is less than that of pure TiO2 at the same calcination temperature. The results also show that the silicon-oxygen structure in layered vermiculite structure can effectively depress the phase transformation from anatase to rutile, thus enhancing the transition temperature and inhibitting the growth of anatase crystals.

Adsorption of Ammonium and Heavy Metal Ions on Industrial Vermiculite from the Yuli Mine in Xinjiang, China

The present work discusses the mineralogy, saturated adsorption of ammonium and adsorption of heavy metal ions （Cu^2＋, Pb^2＋ and Zn^2＋） on industrial vermiculite samples from the Yuli Mine in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The saturated adsorption capacity of ammonium and the affection factors of adsorption of Cu^2＋, Pb^2＋ and Zn^2＋ are discussed on the basis of the mineralogical characteristics of the industrial vermiculite samples. The saturated adsorption capacities of ammonium are between 56.02 and 98.42 mmol/100g. The time of adsorption equilibrium is about 30-60 min, and the pH values and concentration of the ion solution significantly affect the adsorption capacities of the heavy metal ions. The adsorption capabilities of the heavy metal ions on industrial vermiculite are almost the same in the low ion concentration solutions, characterized by a sequence of Zn^2＋〉Pb^2＋〉Cu^2＋ for adsorption capacity in solutions with relatively high ion concentration. The results have practical significance for the application of the industrial vermiculite to treating wastewater containing ammonium or heavy metal ions.

Preparation of Poly ( L-lactic acid ) / Vermiculites Composites by in situ Copolymerization of Lactic Acid and Hydroxylic Vermiculites

L-lactic acid (L-LA) based copolymer/hydroxylation vermiculites composites (PLLA-co-bis A/HVMTs) were prepared by in situ reaction among L-LA, adipic acid, and hydroxylation lamellar vermiculites (HVMTs) using bisphenol-A epoxy resin as chain extending agent. HVMTs were obtained by sulfuric acid-leaching of lamellar vermiculites (VMTs). The effects of sulfuric acid leaching on the VMTs structure were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), 29Si magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance(29Si NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR, FE-SEM, and TGA were used to characterize the reaction activity of HVMTs. The results indicated that VMTs with increased hydroxyl groups had been successfully obtained and could react with -COOH of the reaction system. The amount of L-LA based copolymer grafted on the surface of HVMTs was more than 22%. The onset decomposition temperature of L-LA based copolymer grafted on the surface of HVMTs was 30℃ higher than that of free L-LA based copolymer.

Libby Amphibole Contamination in Tree Bark Surrounding Historical Vermiculite Processing Facilities

Over a 70-year period, a mine near Libby, MT supplied nearly 80% of the world’s vermiculite. Raw vermiculite, which was contaminated with naturally occurring amphibole in veins throughout the deposit, was shipped to processing sites throughout the United States for exfoliation. In this pilot study, tree bark samples were collected near processing facilities in Spokane, WA, Santa Ana, CA, Newark, CA, and Phoenix, AZ in an effort to determine if areas surrounding these facilities are today contaminated with Libby amphibole asbestos (AA). From areas surrounding each of the four historical processing sites, Libby AA was detected in a subset of the bark samples. At the Santa Ana, Newark and Phoenix facilities, actinolite-tremolite and other high Fe Ca-bearing amphibole were also measured from the bark samples. In addition, chrysotile was frequently measured in samples collected from each of the sites. From the results of this pilot study, it is evident that tree bark can serve as reservoirs of asbestos, and indicators of past and current contamination. These data also suggest that areas outside of these historical processing facilities may today have some level of existing contamination resulting from the operation of these facilities.

The Preparation and Characterization of Vermiculite Hydrosol

The dispersibility of vermiculite is the key factor that affects the application of vermiculite.In this paper,the milled natural vermiculite was pillared by organic quaternary ammonium salts.Then the pillared vermiculite was ground and homogenized under the existence of dispersive agent to form a stable vermiculite hydrosol system.Small angle X-ray diffraction(SA-XRD),fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and thermogravimetric analyses(TGA)were used to characterize the structure and thermal property of the vermiculite.The results indicate that the exfoliated vermiculite is successfully obtained.The analyses of laser particle size analyzer,transmission electron microscope(TEM),and Tyndall phenomenon analyzer demonstrate that the vermiculite hydrosol prepared is a stable hydrosol system.

Adsorption behavior and wettability alteration of bis-imidazolium salts on vermiculite:Experimental and theoretical studies

For further understanding the wettability alteration induced by organic salts,series of bis-imidazolium salts(EBMI,TBMI,HBMI,OBMI and DBMI) were employed for investigating their adsorption behavior and wettability alteration on vermiculite(Vt) by experimental and theoretical studies.The characterization results indicated that all bis-imidazolium salts had been loaded on Vts.The adsorption results showed that EBMI,TBMI,HBMI,OBMI and DBMI on Vt reached equilibrium of 0.159,0.156,0.145,0.114 and 0.084 mmol g-1 around 30 min at 25℃,respectively,which were sensitive to ionic strength and pH.Langmuir,statistical physical modelling and pseudo-second-order models could be well fitted with the adsorption data,and thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption processes of bis-imidazolium salts were endothermic and spontaneous,indicating that the resultant bis-imidazolium salts could be self-assembled onto Vt in the form of the monolayer.Results of molecular dynamic simulation showed that bis-imidazolium salts were adsorbed on Vt with the lying-flat configuration,and the electrostatic interaction acted as the main interaction mechanism,which were consistent with that obtained experimentally.Changes of wettability of Vt induced by bis-imidazolium salts were verified by capillary rise experiments.Interestingly,the wettability of organo-Vts varied with the spacer length and the order was as follows:EBMI-Vt <TBMI-Vt <HBMI-Vt <OBMI-Vt <DBMI-Vt,which could be explained by their arrangements,hydrophobicity as well as the interaction energies.The longer the spacers of bisimidazolium salts,the greater the absolute values of the interaction energy,the less the adsorbed bisimidazolium salts,while the more hydrophobic of organo-Vt.This work aimed at revealing the adsorption behavior,mechanism as well as effect of bis-imidazolium salts on wettability alteration of negatively charged mineral surface,providing some information for the selection of flooding agent for enhanced oil recovery and wettability modifier.

Comparative Analysis of the Lateritic Soil of Brasília and Soil Mixed with Vermiculite for Urban Cavities

Civil construction has high demand for new procedures and technologies capable of generating better results in numerous situations throughout the process.Nowadays,cavities in urban areas are commonly used due to the implantation of commercial and residential developments with more than two floors,seeking a better use of the nobler areas of the big cities.In geotechnical terms,the filling of these cavities,with the local soil,especially in the Federal District,lateritic soils,can represent additional efforts for the structures and foundations and lead to a compromise of the technical and functional performance of the same,compromising the efficiency and the economy of the enterprise.In this sense,this research evaluates the mechanical behavior of the mixtures,using GEO5 Software,Containment Design and Verification Modules,presenting an alternative to fill cavities in urban regions,with a mixture of material with lower specific density in relation to the soil Natural.Proctor Normal compression tests,simple direct shear saturation and sample expansibility were performed.The results showed a reduction of 38%in the strength of the reinforced concrete curtain,as well as a 25%reduction in maximum bending moments and 31%in maximum shear forces,and a reduction of about 32%in the displacements of the structure to the soil with addition of expanded vermiculite for tests obtained in the saturated condition.For the compositions of cement soil,expanded vermiculite soil and soil cement and expanded vermiculite,the deformations were of the order of 0.3%,0.4%and 0.2%,respectively.

Elution of lead from vermiculite with environmentally benign reagents

The elution of lead from vermiculite was investigated by using a novel biodegradable chelating reagent, L asparagic N,N diacetic acid (ASDA) and water soluble depolymerized pectic acid and comparing with a conventional chelating reagent, EDTA, as well as acetic acid. The influences of the reagent concentration, equilibrium pH and the suspension contact time on Pb extraction were examined. It is concluded that the acetic acid is not effective for Pb removal in any case due to its weak complexing ability with Pb. Although Pb is easier to be released by EDTA with stoichiometric amount, it is by no means the preferable alternative for the purpose because of its low biodegradability. On the other hand, ASDA and depolymerized pectic acid have the potential application because they are not only effective for Pb elution but also environmentally friendly.

SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF A NOVEL COMPOSITE ZSM-5 ZEOLITE/VERMICULITE CATALYST

The composite ZSM—5 zeolite/vermiculite catalyst,in which tiny ZSM—5 zeolite parti- cles embedded in the vermiculite substrate,has been synthesized by hydrothermal method with vermiculite as silicon source.The catalytic behavior of resulting catalyst for xylene isomerization,propylene aromatization and toluene disproportionation is better than that of HZSM—5 zeolite.